April 1, 2013
COLUMBIA, S.C. – On Saturday, March 16, the South Carolina women’s soccer program spent the day with 50 youth players and their parents from the Southern Soccer Academy (SSA) Central Girls Academy Program.
The SSA, a youth soccer development club based in Georgia, sent seven teams to the St. Patrick’s Day tournament hosted by South Carolina United in Columbia, S.C., during the weekend of March 16 and 17th.
Former Gamecock captain Ashley Kirk is a coach for the club and reached out to set up a day for the girls from the SSA.
“It was great to see the young players smiling and touring the USC soccer facilities. It was heartwarming to be able to give back to the community and show the kids the place I consider home, ” said Kirk of the day.
The players and their parents met members of the team while taking a tour of Stone Stadium and other areas of the South Carolina Athletics Village. The girls, between the ages of 8 and 12, were able to mingle with the Gamecocks while exploring the lounge and locker room, running around on Stone Stadium and enjoying a pizza party.
“The pure joy of the little ones in their uniforms and tie dye shirts as they sprinted onto Stone Stadium was so authentic and beautiful,” added South Carolina assistant coach Libby Bassett. “Our USC players love spending time with younger players, sharing their experience of what it is like to be a collegiate athlete, and the kids really look up to them as role models. It was a great night with fun had by all!”
The South Carolina women’s soccer program is looking forward to camp season this summer and hosting hundreds of youth players at USC for our Day and Residential Camps in June and July. Team discounts are available by contacting Libby Bassett at ebassett@sc.edu. Registration is online at www.carolinasoccerschool.com
